Dictionary entry

Tragi-comic

Webster's Dictionary 1913

{ Trag′i–com″ic (?), Trag′i–com″ic‐al (?), } a. [Cf. F. tragi-comique.] Of or pertaining to tragi-comedy; partaking of grave and comic scenes. — Trag′–com″ic‐al‐ly, adv.

Julian felt toward him that tragi-comic sensation which makes us pity the object which excites it not the less that we are somewhat inclined to laugh amid our sympathy. Sir W. Scott.